Imaging device having multiple optics

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an imaging device that has a base and a plurality of image capture devices. The base includes a bottom portion and an elongate stem portion that is pivotally attached at one of its ends to the bottom portion. An arm is pivotally attached to the stem portion. The arm has an elongate flap pivotally attached to the arm&#39;s mid-portion. A plurality of image capture devices are embedded in at least one of the bottom portion, the stem portion, the arm and the flap. An additional embodiment of the image capturing system includes a housing, a light capture mechanism and an image display mechanism. The housing includes a base and a linkage having a plurality of elongate sections. The light capture mechanism simultaneously captures first and second images and is contained within at least one of the elongate sections. First and second lenses make up the light capturing mechanism.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit ofU.S. Ser. No. 29/371,900 filed on Jan. 9, 2012, the contents of whichare incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to document cameras and to thefield of document scanning apparatuses, and methods for both capturingreal-time video with zooming capability and scanning high resolutionstill images of documents using the same apparatus.

BACKGROUND

There has never been an apparatus that can both scan a document andcapture a second unrelated image and internally combine the documentimage with the unrelated image. There are times when it would beconvenient to capture an image of an object as is done with traditionalscanners and also capture an image of the person scanning the object.For example, a teacher in a distance learning situation who wishes todiscuss an important document might want to scan the document and alsoproject an image of herself to students at remote locations. The needthus exists for an apparatus that can capture both an image of adocument (or even of a three-dimensional object) and an image of anunrelated object, i.e., an image of the teacher. There is also anexisting need for a small form factor apparatus.

Manufacturers have attempted to produce small form factor documentscanners for decades. Originally, scanners were bulky, space consumingdevices. Ultimately, a desktop type scanner was deemed desirable. Thedesktop scanner would solve the size problems associated with theoriginal scanners. However, the desktop scanner, no matter its size,would have been limited in the number of functions that could beaccomplished. Further, the desktop scanner required a sheet transfermechanism to intake and output sheets through the scanner. The morefeatures that were added to a desktop scanner, the bulkier the scannerwould become. Thus, there was no desire to add a feature such as asecond imaging device as it would have unnecessarily added to the sizeand/or weight of the desktop scanner. There was never a need to imagetwo subjects using the same device because the objective of the desktopscanner the maintenance of a small size; thus, only a single imagecapture device was ever employed in a desktop scanner.

At most, the desire to add a second image capture device would have beento increase processing speed of a scanning device. However, processingspeed would more likely been increased by increasing the scanner'sfeeder mechanism speed. Adding a second camera would only have increasedthe size of the camera, thereby subtracting from the goal of a desktopscanner, which is to reduce its size. Certainly, no person ever wouldhave added a camera for the purposes of capturing a non-document image.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is an imaging device that has an elongate base, an armpivotally attached at one of its ends to an end of the elongate base, anelongate flap pivotally attached to the arm and a hand pivotallyconnected to the other end of the arm. The elongate flap can beconfigured to be retractable to a position within the arm to be hiddenfrom view. A plurality of image capturing devices are embedded in theelongate base, the arm, the flap, the hand or a combination thereof Theimage capturing devices can be a lens, a laser reader, etc.

A display device, an internal non-transitory hard drive, a processor anda motion detection unit can be added to the device. The image displaydevice can display images that are obtained from the image capturingdevices, the hard drive, a remote source or any combination thereofAlso, the image display device can be a touch sensitive display screenor a projector for emitting images onto a large surface. The motionsensing unit would be to wake up the device if it is equipped with a“sleep” power saving function. The imaging device is selectivelyoperable with a PC and a Mac.

Extra features for the imaging device include a sound recordingmechanism such as a microphone or other auditory pick up and a soundprojection mechanism such as a speaker or a mechanism for visualizingsound such as a graphic equalizer. An optional light source can beprovided to aid in illumination of the subject.

A further embodiment of the image capturing and projection system couldinclude a housing having a base and a linkage having a plurality ofelongate sections. A light capturing mechanism that simultaneouslycaptures a first image and a second image can be used. The lightdetection mechanism can be contained within at least one of theplurality of elongate sections. An image display mechanism, whichsimultaneously displays the simultaneously captured images can beincluded. The images can be displayed separately and independently(i.e., via toggling) as well as simultaneously. These images can be avideo stream displayed in real-time. Also, the images can be capturedlocally and displayed remotely.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the imaging device having multiple optics;

FIG. 2 shows an arm and a hand of the embodiment in a concealedconfiguration;

FIG. 3 shows a foot of the embodiment in an alternate configuration;

FIG. 4 shows an elongate flap of the embodiment in extendedconfiguration; and

FIG. 5 shows a turret of the elongate flap in a rotated configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an imaging device 102. The imaging device 102 has a base104, an arm 106 pivotally attached at the arm's first end 108 to a firstend 110 of the base 104. An elongate flap 112 is positioned at amidpoint 114 of the arm 106. A hand 116 is positioned on a second end118 of the arm 106. The elongate flap 112 is retractable into aconcealed position within the arm 106.

A stem 120 projects from a bottom portion 138 of the base 104. As anupper portion of the base 104, the stem 120 shown in the figures isprovided with a joint 122 so that the stem 120 is articulable about thebottom portion 138. In this embodiment of the imaging device 102, thestem 120 is articulable about a single axis; however, a ball-and-socketjoint, a universal joint or some other multi-degree-of freedom joint canbe used to connect the stem 120 to the bottom portion 138. The stem 120can also be made to be telescopic to increase or decrease the heightthereof.

As shown in FIG. 2, the imaging device 102 is foldable so that it can bestored more easily. When the imaging device 102 is in a foldedconfiguration, the arm stem 120 almost completely conceals the arm 106and hand 116. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stem 120 includes at leastone notch 124 on either side thereof. The notch 124 provides easieraccess to the arm 106 and the hand 116. Also, ridges 126 are provided onthe hand 116 to provide a better grip for a person extracting the arm106 and hand 116 from the stem 120.

The base 104 includes a control panel 128. The control panel 128 shownis mechanical; however, it can also be electrical, optical or acousticvia the implementation of a touch screen, a laser scanner or voicerecognition. The control panel 128 provides a user access to such thingsas zoom, panning, color, image capture, video, snapshot, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, arm 106 is rotatably connected to the stem 120. Thearm shown in FIG. 3 is rotatable about a single axis; however, a personhaving ordinary skill in the art will understand that the arm 106 can beconfigured to be rotatable in three directions. As explained above, whennot being used, the arm 106 is concealable in the stem 120. Also, thestem 120 is rotatable about bottom portion 138.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, elongate flap 112 is rotatably connected tothe arm 106. When not in use, the elongate flap 112 can be folded to aposition within the arm 106 and concealed from view. The elongate flap112 has a trunk 130 and a turret 132 in which a lens 134 is positioned.The turret 132 is rotatable about at least one axis.

The hand 116 is rotatably positioned on an end of the arm 106. The hand116 includes at least one lens 136 therein. The hand 116 is shown inFIG. 4 to be rotatable about a single axis; however, the hand 116 is notlimited to rotation about only a single axis. The hand 116 isconfigurable so that it is always positioned parallel to the bottom ofthe base 104. As such, a page to be scanned that is resting on the samesurface of the base 104 will be parallel with the hand 116. A personhaving ordinary skill in the art will understand that maintaining aparallel relationship between the hand 116 and the base 104 can beaccomplished using a four bar linkage an electronic leveling means, amotorized mechanism coupled to a signal for coordinating the level ofthe hand 116 and the base 104, or through any other means.

In this embodiment, the lenses 134 and 136 are not limited to beingpositioned on the elongate flap 112 and the hand 116. Rather, the lenses134 and 136 (or any other type of image capturing device) can bepositioned on the bottom portion 138, the stem 120, the elongate flap112 and/or on the hand 116. The lenses 134 and 136 capture and projectan image of a subject onto a photosensitive material (not shown). Thephotosensitive material is a photo-electrode or some other device thatcan convert light into an electrical signal.

Also, if desired, there is no need for a focus function because thelenses used in the imaging device have an infinite focal length similarto the type of lens used in a camera phone. Because the lenses have aninfinite focal length, the potential for any type of object that can beimaged is limitless. For example, a document having only two dimensionscan be imaged or a person's face or any other type of three-dimensionalobject can be imaged. This ability is useful in the present imagingdevice because the lens 134 that is positioned in the elongate flap 112is intended to capture an image of the person using the imaging device.The infinite focal length lens makes it possible for a person to movetoward and away from the lens without the imaging device having toadjust the lens to keep the object in focus.

A digital signal processor (DSP) is used to maintain the sharpness ofthe image. The DSP continuously updates the analog signal entering thedevice. The DSP allows for error detection and data compression fortransmission to remote locations. The digital signal processor isespecially beneficial in real-time image capturing applications.

As shown in FIG. 5, extra features for the imaging device include asound recording mechanism 140 such as a microphone or other auditorypick up and a sound projection mechanism such as a speaker or amechanism for visualizing sound such as a graphic equalizer. An optionallight source 142 can be provided to aid in illumination of the subject.

The first and second lenses 134 and 136, regardless of their position onthe image capturing device 102, are selectively operable. Thus, at leastone image is captured using the hand optics 136 or the elongate flapoptics 134. These images can be electronically saved on a drive inseparate files or combined and saved within the same file. Saving theimages in the same file allows the images to be easily recalled so thatthe images can be viewed as a joint image on a bifurcated screen. Theimaging device can be set so that the screen is bifurcated vertically orhorizontally or configured as a “picture-in-picture” type of screen.Thus, the imaging device acts as kind of an automatic editing device.

Once an image is scanned, the imaging device can store the image in anon-volatile memory. Long term storage will be done on either anexternal hard drive or on an internal drive, if the imaging device is soequipped. The imaging device can be equipped with Bluetooth so that itcan wirelessly connect with various other devices. Through a wirelessconnection, the images can be saved on hard drives within the otherdevices.

The imaging device can connect to the internet if necessary. That way, auser can send images to remote locations without the need to connect toa PC or MAC computer. A person can simply use the controller 128 toconnect to the internet and send an image directly from the imagingdevice. Preferably, internet access would be wireless so that the needfor an Ethernet cable is eliminated. However, the imaging device is alsoequipped with various outputs such as Ethernet, USB, micro USB, etc. Ifso desired, the imaging device is equipped with Bluetooth for wirelessintegration with a PC or MAC.

Bluetooth capability is desirable to connect the imaging device to aprinter, laptop, handheld phone or personal data assistant. The imagingdevice can scan a document or object and immediately send the image to aprinter or it can send the image to a person's phone as a multimediamessage service (MMS) message. Also, control of the imaging device canbe through the use of a handheld phone or laptop. For example, in thecase of an Apple® iPhone®, an app containing control software would bedownloaded to the iPhone and then the imaging device would be controlleddirectly from the person's phone.

In operation, at a first step, a person identifies one or two targets tobe imaged. For the elongate flap imager, a centered image confirmationtool (not shown) can be added to the image processing device. At asecond step, the person centers his own image using the centered imageconfirmation tool. This tool is a mirror, a screen positioned in thebase 104 or a video screen integrated into the control panel 128 on thebase 104. If doing live (real-time) video, the person then conducts alesson/lecture. At a third step, the still and video images are recordedand stored on a drive either internally or externally. If sendingsnapshot images to a remote location, the person activates a still imagephoto option using the control panel 128 (or control screen, if soequipped). At a fourth step, the image is then recorded using digitalsignal processing methods. Once the image is recorded, a person can thendecide whether she wants to save the image, manipulate the image tomerge it with a second (simultaneously) recorded image, crop, orotherwise edit the image.

The present system is optimally used by a lecturer or teacher who needsboth broader projection of her own image as well as broader projectionof a document being written. One benefit is that optimal use of theinternet through social networking, a dedicated website, etc. can bemade for students who cannot attend a lecture. Similarly, the imagingdevice can be used along with software such as Skype for real-timeonline lectures. Due to the limitations of software such as Skype,however, a transmission would have to be limited to a single image viewwith some sort of toggling capability. An online social network type ofsystem provides a friendly environment for the present imaging device. Astudent or audience member can log into a social network and view liveor recorded presentations (of both the lecturer/teacher and a document).

A display device, an internal non-transitory hard drive, a processor anda motion detection unit can be added to the device. The image displaydevice can display images that are obtained from the image capturingdevices, the hard drive, a remote source or any combination thereof. Theimaging device is selectively operable with a PC and a Mac. However, theimaging device is not a dumb peripheral, i.e., it is not limited to usewith an external processor. It can output video to projector without aPC or a MAC. At the same time the imaging device can output a signalconverted to digital output. Also, the image display device can be atouch sensitive display screen or a projector for emitting images onto alarge surface. The motion sensing unit would be to wake up the device ifit is equipped with a “sleep” power saving function.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. For example, one or more elements canbe rearranged and/or combined, or additional elements may be added.Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

I claim:
 1. An imaging device comprising an elongate base, an armpivotally attached at one end thereof to an end of the elongate base,and an elongate flap pivotally attached to the arm; and a plurality ofimage capture devices embedded in at least one of the elongate base, thearm and the flap.
 2. The imaging device as recited in claim 1 wherein atleast one of the plurality of image capture devices is a first opticthat is embedded in the elongate flap.
 3. The imaging device as recitedin claim 2 further comprising a hand pivotally connected to a second endof the arm.
 4. The imaging device as recited in claim 3 wherein a secondoptic is embedded in the arm.
 5. The imaging device as recited in claim3 wherein a second optic is embedded in the hand.
 6. The imaging deviceas recited in claim 1 further comprising an image display device.
 7. Theimaging device as recited in claim 6 wherein the image display device isa projector.
 8. The imaging device as recited in claim 6 furthercomprising a digital signal processor.
 9. The imaging device as recitedin claim 8 wherein the imaging device is configured to be selectivelyoperable with a PC or a Mac.
 10. The imaging device as recited in claim1 further comprising a sound recording mechanism.
 11. The imaging deviceas recited in claim 10 further comprising a sound projection mechanism.12. An image capturing and projection system comprising a housingcomprised of a base and a linkage having a plurality of elongatesections; a light capture mechanism for simultaneously capturing a firstimage and a second image, the light capture mechanism contained withinat least one of the plurality of elongate sections and comprising afirst lens and a second lens; and an image display mechanism fordisplaying the simultaneously captured first and second images.
 13. Theimage capturing and projection system as recited in claim 12 wherein theimage display mechanism displays the first and second images as separateand independent images.
 14. The image capturing and projection system asrecited in claim 13 further comprising a remote image display mechanismthat displays the second images in a location that is remote from theimage display mechanism.
 15. The image capturing and projection systemas recited in claim 12 wherein at least one of the first and secondimages is a video stream displayed in real-time.
 16. The image capturingand projection system as recited in claim 12 further comprising a baseand an arm connected to the base wherein the first lens is embedded inthe arm and wherein the second lens is at least partially embedded in apivotable protrusion on the arm, the pivotable protrusion located in amidpoint of the arm.
 17. The image capturing and projection system asrecited in claim 12 further comprising a sound recording mechanism. 18.The image capturing and projection system as recited in claim 17 furthercomprising a sound projection mechanism.
 19. The image capturing andprojection system as recited in claim 12 further comprising at least onelight source for illuminating a subject to be imaged.